Green Bay Packers Offseason Team Needs – TSJ Sports

Green Bay Packers Offseason Team Needs:

GM Ted Thompson will look to infuse roster with potential starters for the defensive side of the ball

After a disappointing loss in the NFL Championship, the Green Bay Packers head into the offseason desperate for help in order to make another Super Bowl run come next season. While Green Bay had no problem putting up points this year, they were continuously torched in the secondary, whether it be injuries or opposing quarterbacks. The Packers could also lose much of their firepower on the defensive line with three of their edge rushers facing expiring contracts.

Edge Rusher

The Green Bay Packers have a huge problem in the secondary, we watched as Matt Ryan sliced up the Packers‘ defensive backs like a hot knife through butter. However the Green Bay Packers edge rushers Julius Peppers, Datone Jones, and Nick Perry(regular season team leader in sacks with 11) all have expiring contracts. Surly the Packers will retain at least one of the free agents, but nonetheless are aging at the position. A great draft option for the Packers is Takkarist McKinley out of UCLA. He is 6’2″ and 265 lbs that can fly down the field with a 4.62 40 yard dash. He does a great job disrupting the offensive line and causing havoc in the backfield. The Packers could also turn to Defensive End Charles Harris out of Missouri in the upcoming draft. At 6’3″ 260 lbs Harris has a great first step and can really get after the quarterback, putting up 5.5 sacks in the month of November.

Cornerback

The Green Bay Packers need some help in the Cornerback department and this has been evident for sometime. With Sam Shields unable to stay on the field, Damarius Randall playing inconsistently when he does step on the field and rookies attempting to fill in the gaps, the Packers gave up 269.2 yards per game through the air. That is second worst to only the Saints this past season. The Packers are apparently looking to become more aggressive in Free Agency this upcoming season and could start by pursuing Stephon Gilmore, the lengthy Pro Bowl Cornerback from the Bills whose contract is set to expire. Green Bay should also use an early pick to find a Defensive Back such as Desmond King out of Iowa. At 5’10” 200 lbs, the versatile back could line up wherever is deemed necessary. The Packers also have a viable option in drafting Jourdan Lewis, the Cornerback out of Michigan that is only facing one question: his size. Lewis is 5’10” but only 170 lbs but played outstanding regardless of receiver size in college. He would be a great addition to the Packers lackluster secondary and should continue to grow.

Mixed Bag

The Green Bay Packers at times had a potent offensive attack that could not be stopped by the best of defenses, but will need to make some key signings in order to stay dominant. Packers Pro Bowl Guard T.J. Lang has an expiring contract and has expressed interest in staying with the team. Aaron Rodgers has not been shy in saying that Green Bay needs to hold onto Lang and Jared Cook especially. The Tight End became one of Rodgers favorite targets, but did have his struggles with injuries. He was able to post 18 receptions for 229 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the postseason this year and could be dangerous if he continues to be paired with Rodgers. The Packers also need to address their Running Back situation. Ty Montgomery has decided to stay at the position, but ChristineMichael, JamesStarks and EddieLacy are all sitting on expiring contracts. GreenBay is likely to resign one, but will need help from the 2017 NFL Draft and Dont’aForeman out of Texas could be just the man to develop.

Outlook

The GreenBayPackers have a lot of moves to make this offseason in order to retain their NFL North Championship and hoist another Lombardi Trophy in Titletown. The Packers will need a few defensive playmakers and offensive support if they hope not to essentially waste AaronRodgers prime as a Quarterback in the NFL.